Which word?
I am sorry that this one arrived late - you should have received it on Friday.
| "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." ... "All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. (John14:15-31) |
In the first episode of this mini-series, I explained the initial etymology ("linguistic origin") of the Greek word that Jesus used for the Holy Spirit. The word is Paraclete and comes from "para" (alongside) and "kletos" which means called. How this word has been understood has a really wide range.
When I looked at different translations I found different words used:
- Advocate: An advocate is a representative and agent.
This works in both ways: He represents God to us and is the agent of the presence of the Father and Son. But He also He speaks on our behalf, empowers us and gives us the words we need. - Counselor: He guides us, gives discernment and comforts us.
- Comforter: In 2 Corinthians Paul talks about the comfort of God that we can comfort others with. The Holy Spirit mediates this to us.
- Helper: He gives gifts, fruit, guides, convicts, strengthens and so much more.
- Friend: This is Eugene Peterson's word - but the Spirit we say "Abba Father".
- Still small voice / conscience / convictor: This is when He prompts us about sin in our lives.
- Intercessor: Such a powerful thought that we are prayed in and prayed for 24/7.
- Strengthener: We can't do this without Him
- Standby: Another nice word!
So which word is right? I think all of them are helpful and we should always be mindful of the "semantic range" of this amazing word "paraclete".
So which word is best? I think it depends on where you are at and what is going on in your life.
Sometimes I think we are in a place that we need an Advocate. Other times we need a Comforter.
And so on...
Can you think of any more words?
Thank you Holy Spirit that:
- we are not orphans
- You are the invisible overflow of the love of God
- You equip us
- we need so many words to describe all You do for us.
Help us to love YOU (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) more.
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I hope you have enjoyed this mini-series.
